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MabLab and ’Fest: off the chain
A lineup of top regional acts Thursday at the Vogue concluded with overlapping sets from Rhymefest and MabLab.
Having signed recently to the J Records label, rapper Che “Rhymefest” Smith no longer has to prove himself the city’s top MC, and it showed in a performance that was shaky in presentation though long on good vibes. More than once, he silenced accompanying DJ Indiana Jones in order to highlight specific lyrics a cappella. He concluded by bringing out MabLab’s stellar vocalist, Kate Lamont, for a duet.
MabLab returned the favor by giving Rhymefest a cameo in their set. Indy’s ambassadors to Planet Trip-Hop backed up their rep with a fine performance that will be one of their last, as the group prepares for an amicable breakup. Their blend of diverse talents, and their ability to make listeners think and move at the same time, will be sorely missed.
—Scott Hall
- NUVO
It would be hard to find a band more well-respected than MabLab. Seemingly full of musical ideas, the band is a frenzy of activity onstage. The focus is often on singer Kate Lamont"s impossibly beautiful voice, but the rest of the band deserves attention as well, from the funky drumming of Eric Brown to the tasteful horn playing of Tom Wilson. Vernon Reid was so blown away by them when they opened for his band a few months ago that he called them one of the best groups he"s seen. They"re one of the best we"ve seen too, Mr. Reid. - NUVO
Over at the Patio, the mud kids and MabLab will play a show that blends jazzy pop and hip-hop into a brilliant mix. It’s been a good year for both bands. The new album by the ’kids, Upward, shows members Russell and Tyler both in finest form. The single “Ghost Before Ya Know It,” featuring their buddy Rhymefest, was one of the most-added rap singles to radio stations upon its release.
MabLab solidified its growing reputation as one of the most innovative and improvisatory local bands. With at least one successful spinoff group, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and a growing fan base, MabLab became one of the preeminent local groups this year. Tickets for the show are $10 and the doors open at 9 p.m.
- INDY STAR
"MAB LAB: A UNIQUE STEW OF SINEWY ELEMENTS-not quite rap,rock,funk,dub or trance, but an elixer containing strands of each, brewed on mars." -Lou Carlozo, Chicago Tribune
- Chicago Tribune
Discography
Features and Controls-2000
Fade Back ep- 2001
A MAb LAb Reader-2003- available on i-tunes,Rhapsody,e-music and many more online retailers.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
MAB LAB -damn, it's hard to desribe one of the most original groups you've probably never heard of. A group that has the rare ability to make you think and move at the same time. Is it neo-soul, avant pop? hip hop funk ?rock trip-hop? Whatever is is MAB LAB has a special way of infusing it with their unique soul. Kate Lamont stands up with the best lyrically and brings the house down with "the voice"..Let's just put it this way Rhymefest loved em so much he had to have them for his backing band, G Love and his crew dug em so much they brought em to Philly to record and to DC to share the stage, and Nashville's Ray Kennedy(Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams) was so intrigued that he recorded them along with legendary English producer Peter Collins (rush, Indigo girls,Musical Youth) . After a brief hiatus the LAB is back. They've played everywhere from San Francisco to Arlene grocery in New York to the street festivals of Chicago.
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